Kami Ohmer, Giving Tree Loft
Name: Kami Ohmer
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Current Residence (City, State): West Harrison, Indiana
Education: Graphic Design – Ohio University
Professional Background (brief, please): Freelance Graphic Artist for Corporations such as P&G, Anthem, Paramount’s Kings Island and Cincinnati Might Ducks
What you wanted to be when you grew up: Flight Attendant – ironically now I am afraid to fly ☺
What you are: a mom, a wife and a creator
Brief Summary of your Start Up: At times, it seemed like I was in need of a gift every weekend for one event or another. And I figured, I was not the only one. WHAT IF a busy person received gift-giving ideas monthly in their email. One boring afternoon, the Giving Tree Loft was created. Now spreading the word about other artists and crafters along with what I create has been an absolute blessing!
Company Website? www.givingtreeloft.com
What inspired you? (I can best answer the question of WHO inspired you?) It was not really one event or thing. Creative and business minded people who run with life and don’t look back. Family, friends and even women bloggers I have never had the chance to meet.
How long have you been in business? 2 years give or take.
How did you fund it? Self funded. I have also been blessed with a supportive husband who understands me and would give anything to see me happy and successful.
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? My sister. Her creativity blows my mind on a daily basis.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? no
Current Business Challenge? I would say balancing the mom gig with the business. Getting better with the second child, but still there are days I struggle. Also, getting sponsors involved.
What are you doing about it? Resources such as Start Up Princess have given me valuable advice as well and led me to inspiring women whom I admire.
Favorite motivational quote: “Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it!†Danny Kaye
Family? Two crazy, fun sons….Tyler (age 7) and Trae (age 2) and a husband and best friend – Billy.
If so, how do you balance family and business? ATTEMPT is a good word. I have learned to take everything at a slower pace. Does not help to rush anything. The kids know when you are anxious and the business does too.
Favorite book? Have not been able to sit and read a book lately, but my favorite writer has a blog and I check it and read it religiously. The blog is called My Topography (http://www.mytopography.com/) and the writer’s name is Christina Rosalie. She is a master of orchestrating beautiful words.
What do you do to relax? Watch my sons do something they love to do.
What do you want to change most about your world? Not sure I would change a thing. I believe it is important to take the good with the bad.
What are you most proud of? Passing on everything my amazing parents have taught me onto my children.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Take time to breathe every day. Go for a run or walk if you get stuck. The ideas and answers will come to you, you just may have to step away for a little while.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My Mac. If I were without, I would be a bit lost! OH and email……email is the GREATEST!
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Jasper….restores lost sight and brings rain in times of drought.
Would you be interested in being a Fairy Godmother to another woman entrepreneur? (I am working on a secure system to do this, any ideas?) I am still in the learning process myself and I have a long way to go! But I am a great listener and would love to help out in any way that I can!
What business subjects would you feel comfortable mentoring in? any area that has to do with design.
Would you be interested in going to lunch with other women entrepreneurs for a “networking tea party� YES! Tea Parties ROCK!
If you are out of Utah County, would you be willing to be a facilitator of such an event? yes
